Makeup By Kim Porter

Product Swatches

See swatches of the AJ Crimson Coverage Conceal Contour Palette

Celebrity makeup artist, AJ Crimson – you’ve seen him on David Tutera’s ‘My Fair Wedding’, and he’s also responsible for doing the makeup of artists like Letoya Luckett and Amerie – has launched recently, a line of cream foundations, and a multi-functional palette of cream foundations that can be used to cover, conceal and contour the face.  The AJ Crimson Coverage Conceal Contour Palette  was released early because AJ Crimson was too excited about his new baby.  I was lucky enough to win one through his social media giveaway.

 

Here’s a sneak peak of what the palette looks like:

 

AJ Crimson Coverage Conceal Contour Palette

 

My Thoughts:

I must say, that I was extremely excited to win this palette.  AJ Crimson describes his line of makeup as “The Make Up of Makeup Artists.”  The AJ Crimson Coverage Conceal Contour Palette definitely screams that – from the packaging, to the shades that are included in the palette, and the versatility of the product.  AJ Crimson definitely had the Makeup artist in mind when creating it.   Makeup artists, like myself, no longer have to lug around multiple products, which can become heavy!  This palette is so light-weight.  I’ve toted it around in my pocket book for the last few days, and didn’t even notice it.

The palette includes dark and light shades, which can be mixed to match any complexion.  I love the texture of the products; they’re very creamy and lightweight.  They’re full-coverage, but, don’t let that scare you, because creams can easily be thinned out to achieve the coverage you want.

It was cool to see that AJ collaborated with a new cosmetics line favorite, OFRA Cosmetics Labs (they make the eyeshadow palette I love), to create the AJ Crimson Coverage Conceal Contour Palette.  You know you’re getting quality items.

The one thing I did not care for too much was the brush.  It will work for applying the product to smaller areas like the corners of the nose.  I doubt I will use it that much.

I can’t wait to seriously play with the AJ Crimson Coverage Conceal Contour Palette!

 On AJ’s facebook page, he provided some tips on using the palette.

Tip:  To cover dark marks and under eye circles lightly “stain” the area with shade #1. Then apply your all over shade over top to completely CONCEAL the area! Flawless finish!

For more tips, follow AJ Crimson on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ajcrimson

 

Where to purchase it:

The AJ Crimson Coverage Conceal Contour Palette can be purchased at AJCrimson.com

Retail: $29.50

Word on the street is, the palette will also be available in March at The Makeup Show LA!  It might be available at a discounted price, too!

 

 

 

Review: IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette {Swatches}

I was excited when I received a package from IT Cosmetics that contained their fairly new IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette amongst some other goodies I will share in a future post. The palette features 12 gorgeous eyeshadows that allow you to easily create simple day-time makeup looks as well as evening.  The eyeshadows in the  IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette can be used wet or dry as an eyeliner or to create a more dramatic look.  The palette also comes with a dual eyeshadow brush; one end for shadow application on the lid and crease, and the other to apply the eyeshadow along the lash lines.

 

 12 Eyeshadows in the IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette

  • Cashmere (matte creme)
  • Heavenly (pearl white)
  • Satin Sunshine (pearl light yellow)
  • Espresso (matte deep brown)
  • Earth Angel (matte beige cashmere)
  • Je Ne Sais Quoi (shimmery nude pink)
  • Ipanema (golden beige pearl)
  • Venus Love (pearl coppery rust)
  • Azure (midnight navy)
  • Plum Passion (rich matte purple)
  • Romance (satin rich taupe)
  • Jet Black (matte black)

Description (source):

Working hand in hand with leading plastic surgeons, IT Cosmetics introduces “Anti-Aging” Luxe Eyeshadow Palette with Brush. This naturally pretty collection of 12 Waterproof and highly pigmented eye shadows are comprised of twelve separate hand-selected trio of desert island must have shades designed to bring out your eye color and sparkle! Hydrating and skin loving ingredients give you high performance color that lasts all day, plus anti-aging benefits for younger looking, naturally pretty eyes! Each ultra luxe shadow is infused with an ultra-hydrating age reverse and preventative complex including hydrolyzed collagen, green tea, acai and Vitamins A, C & E. Talc, paraben, sulfate, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, and phthalate free. Hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic.

 

 

 

My Thoughts:

I honestly, love this palette.  I’ve used IT Cosmetics’ eyeshadows before (see an example here), so I was sure these weren’t going to disappoint in terms of texture, quality, and pigment.  I was right.  The eyeshadows are smooth, and apply easily.  I hate when I have to work too hard to achieve a certain look and color payoff.

Although I prefer matte or satin finish eyeshadows, I like that the IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette has both matte and shimmer shades.  The shades in this palette are on the neutral side, but, it does offer some color eyeshadow options (‘Azure’ & ‘Plum Passion’) if you are like me, and prefer a little bit more drama.  The shimmer shades with a little of the ‘Jet Black’ are perfect for creating sexy evening looks. ‘Espresso’ is a good shade for brow shading, and for blending colors into the crease.  ‘Heavenly’ and ‘Cashmere’  are similar in tone, especially on my dark skin, and appear a little ashy. See looks I’ve created here and on instagram: MakeupbyKimPorter

The IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette packaging is cute.  It’s a faux, padded leather case with the It Cosmetics logo stamped on the front, that opens like a book.  The palette itself is lightweight, and I wouldn’t mind toting it around in my purse.  My only issue is I wish it had a magnetic closure to keep it shut.

The IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette comes with a dual end brush. I found the brush to be just ‘okay’.  If you’ve used IT Cosmetics other brushes, the one included does not compare, especially when it comes to softness.  I found the bristles to be a little rough and stiff.  I had better application using the No-tug Dual Airbrush Eyeshadow brush; however the flat liner end of the brush included with the palette applied the eyeshadow both wet and dry, nicely to my upper and lower lash lines.

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Would I recommend?

I would recommend this palette.  You can create a number of looks that are perfect for day and evening.  The cost of this palette is $38, which is a little over $3… a steal in my opinion.  I swatched the eyeshadows without a primer or base, and as you can see in the photos, the eyeshadows in the IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette don’t lack in pigmentation.  I can’t attest to the anti-aging abilities because I’d need a few years too see whether or not the eyeshadows help in that aspect.

Where to purchase: ITCosmetics.com or QVC

 

IT Cosmetics on Social Networks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itcosmetics

Twitter: https://twitter.com/itcosmetics

 

 

What are your thoughts on this palette?

 

Disclosure:  Products mentioned in this post were provided to me by the company or its PR for review purposes.  I was not compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own.

Swatches: MAC Cosmetics Grey Friday Lipstick

I got caught out there with the Black Friday sales.  Getting emails and text alerts on your phone is such bad business. My wallet isn’t happy right now. I don’t feel too bad since I haven’t made a makeup purchase in like… forever! In my case, I wound up purchasing some items from MAC, which included the limited edition Grey Friday lipstick.  I was excited to have this since it was different.  I’m all for different lipstick shades, except those in the range of powder blue etc.  Things that would just make me look like a ratchet hoodrat female rapper.  Anyway, my package finally arrived yesterday evening; a day late.  I immediately swatched it. 

My thoughts about the Grey Friday lipstick  is that it is ehh.  I wish it were more opaque.  It is creamy.  Application is smooth, but is a little streaky.   I can see the Grey Friday lisptick working well with a berry or purple shade, maybe even a fuschia.  The shade definitely looks different on everyone.  Honestly, with a clear gloss, and gunmetal pigment, you can create the same shade at home.  I’m happy I didn’t pay full-price for it. 

Did you purchase the Grey Friday lipstick?  What are your thoughts?

 

 

Review: Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner “Nude” & “Fashionista” (swatches)

The Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner is a family of four palettes (Smoky Eyes, Nude Eyes, Fashionista Eyes, and Casual Eyes) created for “ANY eye color” that allows an individual to create three looks, from natural to playful to dramatic.  Each uniquely designed, eye appealing palette comes with 9 shimmer shades that can be used dry for a more soft and subtle look, or wet for a more intense and dramatic effect.   The palettes are small, about 4″ length and 2″ wide, which make them convenient enough to tote around in your purse.

 

 



 

My Thoughts:

This is my first time using a Physician’s Formula eyeshadow product, needless to say, I was excited to try them out.  At first glance, the shades in each Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strips palette are gorgeous, especially the lime color in the “Fashionista” palette; however, once swatched the color pay-off leaves much to desire.

It takes a lot of work to get a good color pay-off, especially when using the enclosed applicator.  I had better results with color intensity when using my coastal scents C210 Small Chisel Fluff brush, and the colors blended out easily.  If you’re not into working hard to achieve a certain eye makeup look, or you just don’t have the time, then these are not for you.  I can attest to the fact that I had to sit and pack-on the eyeshadow in order for the color to pop how I am used to.  For the Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strips I would highly suggest using a primer, like the Urban Decay Primer Potion or the more affordable option from Ruby Kisses, “Eyeshadow Magic Primer”, as well as an eyeshadow base like “Milk” Jumbo Eye pencil from NYX.

 

 

No Flash

 

Flash

 

As far as the texture goes, Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strips aren’t powdery; however, there are some eyeshadows in the palette that are fallout city! That isn’t a real big deal for me since I am ‘team eyeshadow first’; therefore, I am not worried about ruining the makeup I’ve already applied.  But, using the eyeshadows wet (wetting your brush) should relieve this issue.

 

 

Fashionista Palette No Flash

 

Fashionista Palette Swatches Flash

Below is a look I created. This is what it looked like after 10 hours with using a primer and base.  There is some creasing, but, it isn’t too bad! The colors still look nice and vibrant.

 

 

 
 

Would I recommend?

The Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strips palettes are affordable; you get 9 eyeshadow shades for about $11 at your local drugstore like CVS.  I would recommend it to those who love shimmer, and don’t mind working [hard] to achieve a particular eye makeup look.  If you are like me, and very rarely have time on your hands then this isn’t for you.  I would suggest this product for people new to makeup and are in the experimental phase.

Find Physician’s Formula online

Web: http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/default.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansFormula

Twitter: @PFCosmetics

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/pfcosmetics

 

 

Have you tried the Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner? If so, what are your thoughts?

 

Disclaimer:  Products were provided by me by the company or its PR for review consideration.  I was in no way compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own and are, as always, 100% honest.